Project News

2nd ACE Festival was held on June 28-29th, 2008 in Kabupaten Bireuen where about 5-hour ride by car from Banda Aceh City. The objective of this Festival is the same as in 1st Festival, namely, to expand business of ACE groups and improve the product quality by strengthening network among ACE groups through sharing experience each other.

In 2nd ACE Festival, 19 ACE groups participated. They sold various kinds of cakes and sewing products, demonstrated their group activities, held Focus Group Discussion to identify common problems and solutions, and held Workshop with local government. There was also a live interactive dialogue by ACE group members and project staffs on Radio Republik Indonesia.

Compared to the 1st ACE Festival, cake-making groups improved their packaging by putting label with their group and product names or putting ribbon on the pack. Packaging was their main tasks to improve at the previous Festival. Another group from Pidie whose activity was melinjo crisp making instructed how to make the crisps to Bupati Bireuen who joined the Festival.

The Project continues to hold ACE Festival. It is expected that step by step, ACE groups will strengthen their network and utilize it in improving their business.

Photo left:ACE group members introducing their products to Bupati Bireuen & Provincial Government official
Photo right:Demonstration of embroidering by ACE group member

Photo left:ACE group member instructing how to make melinjo crisp to Bupati Bireuen
Photo right:Focus Group Discussion by ACE groups

Photo left:Workshop by ACE groups, Local Government, and Project Staff
Photo right:Radio Interactive Dialogue by ACE group members and project staff